Facilitation & Monitoring of Staff’s Individual Space
at North York General Hospital
2023
This project’s aim was to redesign the existing staff wellness room at North York General Hospital to make it more catered to individual space. Through our research, both primary and secondary, we found that individual space is essential for staff at the hospital. Our objective was to design a space that is holistically pleasing to the mind and body, while also being aesthetically pleasing to the eye and suited for individual needs.
1 / Current Layout of the Wellness Room
The wellness room is uniquely positioned to support staff well-being, as it serves as a designated quiet space where employees can take short breaks to recharge. Given its purpose, it is essential that the room accommodates individual needs and fosters a tranquil environment.
The current layout includes three massage chairs, two tables joined together with chairs on either side, additional tables, and a bulletin board. Based on feedback from NYGH staff, there is a clear desire for the space to be more serene and calming. As a wellness room, it should promote a peaceful atmosphere and provide ample individual space, allowing staff to momentarily step away from their work and unwind.
2 / Overall Layout of the proposed Design
We propose redesigning the wellness room by preserving key elements while introducing new features to enhance its ambiance. The existing massage chairs promote relaxation and should remain, while the clustered tables should be replaced with egg chairs to provide personal space and solitude.
To incorporate nature without breaching hospital guidelines, we suggest adding a faux moss wall, faux moss artwork, and faux plants to create a calming environment. Additionally, a Frame TV in front of a massage chair would enhance relaxation. We also propose designating a permanent massage zone to ensure a dedicated space for rejuvenation.
3 / Biophilic Design
Biophilic design supports cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being. Studies show that plants—real or visual—reduce mental fatigue and stress. Attention Restoration Theory suggests that exposure to nature improves focus, making biophilic elements essential in the wellness space.
Massage chairs are the most used feature. To enhance this, we propose adding faux moss art with flowing lines and circular patterns behind two chairs, creating a calming, living wall effect.
For further biophilic integration, an additional faux moss installation will mirror previous motifs for continuity. Soft fascination, which gently engages attention, is promoted through these elements. A glass covering can ensure easy maintenance and IPAC compliance.
We also suggest soft ambient music with nature sounds, such as water and wind, to reduce stress and pain. A wooden ceiling structure could support artificial vines or hanging plants, further enhancing the space.
4 / Room Elements
A Samsung Frame TV faces the third massage chair, allowing staff to watch nature-themed content for a biophilic experience. When idle, it displays artwork. Headphones are provided for private listening.
The room includes two seating options: massage chairs for short, effective relaxation and wicker egg chairs for privacy. The massage chairs, made of faux leather, meet IPAC standards. All seating faces biophilic or soft fascination elements to enhance tranquility.
Natural earth tones—subdued browns, greens, and blues—were chosen to create a calming, stimulating atmosphere. Research suggests these tones are more soothing than bright colors. Light wood tones unify the flooring, ceiling, wallpaper, and furniture, reinforcing the biophilic aesthetic.
5 / Massage Area
Research shows that massages reduce stress, alleviate pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. While staff currently have access to a masseuse on specific days, we aim to establish a permanent massage space within the wellness room.
Based on staff feedback, we designed the massage area to evoke tranquility and serenity, creating a "zen" environment. To achieve this, we focused on earthy colors, natural materials, flowing designs, minimalistic accents, and biophilic elements.
We also embraced the concept of Wabi Sabi, which values beauty in imperfection and natural materials. This philosophy reduces stress and can be incorporated by using natural tones and embracing imperfect designs.
In the massage area, we selected neutral-toned wallpaper with flowing elements and added items like a vase with pampas grass, a moss plant, an orchid, a Kintsugi-inspired bowl, a wicker basket, and a small water sculpture. These elements reflect Wabi Sabi and complement the room's design.
6 / Entrance View
This is what the new wellness room would look like from the entrance with all the design changes. The redesigned wellness room, incorporating all proposed changes, reflects the principles of biophilic design. This is achieved through the integration of greenery and the use of natural tones and materials throughout the space. To ensure privacy, all seating areas are positioned away from the entrance, allowing individuals to remain undisturbed when others enter. The room accommodates seven individuals in the massage chairs and egg chairs, with an additional space designated for one individual in the massage area.
7 / Wellness Room Promotion
We appreciate the hospital’s commitment to staff well-being through the wellness room. However, during our interviews, we found that many staff members were unaware of its existence or uncertain about its availability and resources. To enhance its effectiveness as a relaxation space, we aimed to increase staff engagement.
To achieve this, we propose distributing an invitation upon completion of the redesign. It would include a QR code for booking amenities and an incentive, such as promotional gift bags and refreshments, to encourage participation.
Additionally, we recommend a Wellness Room business card to be distributed regularly after the launch. This card would provide booking details and ensure ongoing accessibility to the wellness room’s resources.
In collaboration with Nicola Williams, Adri-Anna Aloia, Jen Smith, Wayne Harrison, OCADU and North York General Hospital.